Top players at Garces and in Bakersfield (Calif.)

When thinking of the top soccer programs and players in California, it’s natural for people to immediately think about the Los Angeles and San Diego areas. Generally, people then let their mind wander all the way to the Bay Area, then to Sacramento, maybe giving Fresno a little notice when passing by. Bakersfield is often overlooked when thinking of top areas and top players, but as Garces Memorial is proving, that would be a mistake. "Bakersfield actually produces some really talented players and plays some very good competitive soccer," Garces coach Hassan Halevy said. "There are quite a few good youth coaches here developing the kids and you can see an upward trajectory of talent coming up. "The player pool here is obviously geographically smaller than most other areas, but we make up for it with a passionate and competitive style of soccer." Garces, a school of only approximately 460 students, is doing its part to put Bakersfield on the map, especially the last four years. The Rams, since Halevy has started coaching, are 90-5-6. That is nearly a 90 percent winning percentage. "I feel our program’s success has been a combination of some high-character, talented and motivated individuals put into a very structured, high-level environment," Halvey said. "We also utilize software and video to track and monitor practices and games. This helps us identify deficiencies, which allows us to efficiently train and get better. "We also emphasize that what you do in the classroom is directly correlated to what you do on the field. To play on my team, you also have to perform in the classroom and community. We promote that being a solid citizen will get you further in life." With that being said, it’s easy to see why Garces has had so much success. Here are some players from Garces Memorial, and Bakersfield generally, you should really know. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="7616" first="Fletcher" last="Bank"], Garces, Senior Attacking Midfielder</strong> Bank has what Halvey calls "5-star skills" calling him probably the most skilled player he’s ever coached. He is strong, fast, and intelligent. He can literally do it all, which is why Stanford recruited him. He will be playing for the Cardinal next season. [caption id="attachment_38711" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-38711" src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/02/Palmer-Bank-300x300.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="8465" first="Palmer" last="Bank"]. </strong><em>Photo: Garces Memorial Athletics</em>[/caption]<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="8465" first="Palmer" last="Bank"], Garces, Senior, Left Back</strong> Palmer will also be attending Stanford with his brother, Fletcher. Palmer is a super talented left-footed left back. He can play central defender, and also stepped in and played keeper when it was asked of him during the team’s state title run. A great player and person, he has amazing touch on the ball and is fast, strong, and skilled. <strong>Christian Chase, Garces, Senior, Midfielder/Winger</strong> Chase is a player who can play pretty much anywhere outside. He can play outside back, a wide midfield position, or as a wing. He is a high-character player who is versatile, talented, and fearless. <strong>Shia Clayton, Foothill, Senior Midfielder</strong> Clayton committed to his hometown school of Cal State Bakersfield in November, making the choice to stay home and build something with the Roadrunners. He is a very athletic and active player with strong technical qualities. He is a competitive player who plays his club soccer for Central California Albion. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="7135" first="Benjamin" last="Jimenez"], Garces, Junior, Defensive Midfielder</strong> Jimenez is a very talented player who can also play centrally in the midfield. He is a player that displays good vision, is a shut-down defensive midfielder but also has great distribution. He is in the recruiting process now with plenty of Division I interest. [caption id="attachment_38712" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-38712" src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/02/Antony-Melendrez-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> <strong>Antony Melendrez.</strong><em> Photo: Garces Memorial Athletics</em>[/caption] <strong>Jorge Lopez, Bakersfield, Senior, Central Midfielder</strong> Lopez is a box-to-box central midfielder, who is committed to continuing his career at Grand Canyon University. Lopez is a great player with fantastic vision and stamina. He has to be accounted for in your game plan when you face him. <strong>Antony Melendrez, Garces, Senior, Central Midfielder</strong> Melendrez can play anywhere in the midfield, but not only that he can play anywhere on the pitch. He is a very extremely gifted, talented, and intelligent player for the Rams. <strong>Matthew Mendoza, Garces, Junior, Outside Midfielder</strong> Another talented player on the outside for the Rams who can play as a wide midfielder or a winger. Mendoza is one of those players who is all heart, who gives his all and will run through a wall for his teammates.